A close-knit community are today gathering round the family of a two-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car.

It’s believed Alex Radan was hit by a car being driven by a neighbour as he left the playground in Charnwood Place in Dumfries around 6.50pm on Friday night.

The fenced playground sits in a roundabout in the middle of a small street directly in front of Alex’s house.

The toddler, officially named by police earlier today, was rushed to Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary after the ­collision but died a short time later.

The man driving the car was uninjured.

At their home in Dumfries on Sunday, his family were being comforted by members of the local Romanian community to which they belong.

One said: “We are all heartbroken.”

Tributes nearby included flowers and teddy bears have been placed near the scene of the tragedy for little Alex.

He lived close to the park with his older brother and parents George and Cristina, who are originally from Bucharest in Romania, but have lived in Scotland in December 2015.

The couple run a traditional European food and desserts business.

Following the tragedy, they posted a message on their website stating: “Due to a tragic family incident our takeaway will be close until further notice. Apologies to all our customers.”

The manager of a tyre garage in the street said workers were “all in shock” after hearing the news of Alex’s death.

Hundreds of tributes were also paid on social media.

Joanne Birkett wrote: “I just cant begin to imagine what pain everyone is going through. So devastating. Thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy”.

Mandy Evans said: “This is absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the family at this very sad time”.

Lisa Irvine-watson added: “Utterly heartbreaking. Sleep tight little one”.

Sergeant Bob McNay, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Alex’s distraught parents Cristina and George and his older brother are devastated following their tragic loss and have asked to be left to grieve in peace”.

He added: “Once again, I’d like to send our most sincere condolences to Alex’s family and our thoughts remain with them and all those directly affected by this tragic event.

“The investigation into this crash remain ongoing and we are asking for anyone who was in the area and witnessed the events to please come forward.”

Anyone who witnessed the accident or who may have CCTV overlooking the Charnwood Place area are asked to get in contact with police on 101.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.